An Unfortunate Education

The idea for this piece comes from the point of view of an educator and speaks directly about school related massacres. My interest led me to research the first school shooting, and unfortunately, they have been around since the founding fathers. The first shooting at a University was at the University of Virginia – the institution that was built by our third President – Thomas Jefferson.

The overall structure is based on a coffin and references the iconic domed rotunda designed by Jefferson. The grey galvanized steel that create the walls of the building are pierced dogwood flowers. Representing peace, the dogwood is the state flower and tree of Virginia. At the apex of the dome is a gun site, and when lifted it reveals the crosshairs of a modern gun. The dome is divided in half and hinges open to reveal the contents. The Derringer gun, recessed in the wood floor base, references the shooting of the U of V law professor John Anthony Gardner Davis, by student Joseph Semmes in 1840.

Just below the dome is a quote from Jefferson and James Madison, from an 1824 board meeting before the school opened in 1826. It states: No student shall, within the precincts of the University, introduce, keep or use any spirituous or vinous liquors, keep or use weapons or arms of any kind …

Unfortunately, this is a lesson that keeps repeating itself.